Information Technology Assistant

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-5 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SOENEA) covers the following six countries: China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. Serving as the development arm of the United Nations ESCAP in North-East Asia, SOENEA is established to enhance multilateral cooperation in North-East Asia in the implementation, follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through regional cooperation and promotion of connectivity.

This position is located in the SOENEA, the incumbent reports directly to the Programme Officer.

Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and overall supervision of the Head of the Office, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:

Desktop Administration and Configuration •Monitors personal computers running the UN software delivery system to ensure that software distributions are being delivered correctly. •Performs software distribution updates, scripting, testing and support. •Performs research into new versions of centrally supported software and performs beta testing, production rollout and post production support. •Maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases. •Provides technical advice to clints when necessary. •Performs other related duties as required.

Server Operations and Administration •Carry out routine installation, testing and deployment of server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Unix, Linux, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, firewall, Domain Name server (DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software. •Perform routine administration, operation, technical support and monitoring of server systems. •Undertakes routine troubleshooting of server systems. If the problem persists, escalates to higher level in accordance with procedures. •Performs 24x7 operations of assigned systems •Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards. •Implements backups of servers following standard backup procedures. •Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems, and produce pertinent reports. •Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations system administration. •Maintains user profiles, ensure data security and integrity •Plans business continuity and disaster recover procedures •Performs other related duties as required.

Service Installation and Support •Receives and logs problem calls or service requests in the automated tracking system with minimum delay. •Attempts to resolve as many problem calls or service requests on initial contact. •Performs tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc. •Diagnoses and resolves any hardware, software, or connectivity problem with minimum delay. •Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems. •Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve problem or to complete task, problems encountered, current status, etc. •Escalates problems to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; •Detects problem patterns and recommend solutions. •Keeps abreast of developments in technology both in the UN and in the industry in general. •Performs other related duties as required.

General Administration •Manages office equipment and supplies, their administration and distribution on behalf of the Subregional Office •Establishes and maintains inventory records for all the offices property in accordance with UN rules and regulations. •Acts as a requisitioner for the office to raise formal procurement requests for local and international purchases and performs other functions in Umoja as required. •Liaises with the building operators on all technical aspects of the offices operation and maintenance. •Liaise with local vendors and with ESCAP on technical matters. •Assists in developing and implementing online communications plans. •Assists in ensuring effective delivery of meetings and other events organized by the Office by providing technical support, communicating with internal and external counterparts, and assisting with pre-meeting preparations and post-meeting follow-up. •Assists in delivering office programmes related to science and technology •Performs other duties as required.

Physical Requirements •May be required to lift, move, mount, or store equipment weighing up to 50 lbs, or up to 80 pieces of equipment on a daily basis. •May be required to work on shift assignments on weekdays to maintain the service coverage from 08:00 to 18:00. Occasionally, on average once a month, the incumbent may be required to work ad-hoc assignments during evenings or early mornings of working days as well as holidays and weekends. •May be required to visit user’s premises to resolve problems on their servers or desktop PCs. •May require the ability to cope with the working conditions of the Data Centre where the level of noise and electro-magnetic fields may be slightly higher than the normal office environment while the temperature may be lower.

Competencies •Professionalism: Knowledge of information technology and applications, including computer system networks. Good technical skills, ability to conduct network maintenance, provide server services and user support. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

•Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

•Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education High school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary studies related to ICT is desirable.

Work Experience A minimum of five years of experience in information technology, systems administration and maintenance, software development or related area is required. Experience working in a culturally diverse environment is desirable. Experience working on knowledge sharing platforms and website development and management is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

Special Notice Appointment against this post is on a local basis; candidates shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the SOENEA office, irrespective of nationality and length of time the candidate may have been in the country. If no suitable local candidate is identified, candidates located elsewhere may be considered. The candidate is responsible for any expenses incurred in taking the relevant examinations at the duty station, and of any costs related to traveling and relocating to the duty station in the event of an employment offer.

This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Must have passed the United Nations Global General Service Test (GGST) at Headquarters or an equivalent locally-administered test at Offices Away from Headquarters.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.